Opinion: Prisons that Withhold Menstrual Pads Humiliate Women and Violate Basic Rights

Far too many people are denied access to menstrual products while in prison, as Chandra Bozelko–a formerly-incarcerated woman–explains.

Though many argue that prisoners cannot be pampered in jail, having access to sanitary pads is not a luxury – it is a basic human right. Just like no-one should have to beg to use the toilet, or be given toilet paper, women too must be able to retain their dignity during their menstrual cycle. Using periods to punish women simply has no place in any American prison.

SOURCE: The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Menstruation Studies; Chandra Bozelko • AUTHOR: Chandra Bozelko • LAST UPDATED: July 25, 2020